Airlink WLC3010 User Manual
54Mbps Wireless LAN Card
User ’s Manual
2003 All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written
permission of the seller.
Disclaimer
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. The material contained
herein is supplied without representation or warranty of any kind. The seller therefore assumes
no responsibility and shall have no liability of any kind arising from the supply or use of this
document or the material contained herein.
Trademarks
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. 54g is a
registered trademark of Broadcom Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned in this
document are the property of their respective owners.
Rev: 03
May 2003
About This Manual
This manual was written for the following types of wireless adapter:
For brevit y, throughout this manual Wirele ss LAN Card is used to indicate all the types. Also,
the following terms/abbreviations are used interchangeably:
This User’s Manual contains information on how to install and configure your Wireless LAN
Card. From now on, we will guide you through the correct configuration steps to get your
device up and run.
•
32-bit CardBus Adapter
•
PCI Adapter
•
Mini PCI Adapter
•
Access Point – AP
•
Peer-to-Peer – Ad Hoc
•
Wireless LAN – WLAN
•
Ethernet networ k – LAN – network
802.11g Draft Compliance Notice
Please be noted that this wireless device supports only draft-level 802.11g specification. At of
the time of the release of this product, 802.11g remains in draft form, which has yet to be
finalized and ratified by IEEE.
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1
Wireless LAN Basics................................................................................................................................................... 2
Local Area Network (LAN) .......................................................................................................................................................2
Ad-Hoc Mode............................................................................................................................................................................3
Infrastructure Mode..................................................................................................................................................................4
Roaming....................................................................................................................................................................................5
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card............................................................................................................ 7
System Requirements................................................................................................................................................. 8
Installing Wireless LAN Driver and Software .............................................................................................................. 9
Basic Installation Procedures...................................................................................................................................................9
General Guidelines for OS-Specific Situations.......................................................................................................................13
Chapter 3 Using Wireless LAN Utility .................................................................................................................... 15
Accessing Vendor’s Wireless LAN Utility.................................................................................................................. 16
Notice When Assessing Wireless LAN Utility under Windows XP..........................................................................................17
Link Status Tab ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
Configuration Tab...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Encryption Tab .......................................................................................................................................................... 25
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
Site Monitor Tab........................................................................................................................................................ 27
About Tab.................................................................................................................................................................. 30
Chapter 4 Using Wireless Tray Icon Functions .................................................................................................... 31
Viewing Signal Strength and Speed.......................................................................................................................... 31
Tray Icon Graphic Indication..................................................................................................................................... 32
Other Functions......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Chapter 5 Windows XP Wireless Zero Configuration Utility ............................................................................... 35
Connecting to an Access Point or Wireless LAN Card ............................................................................................. 35
Viewing Wireless Connection Status ........................................................................................................................ 38
Configuring Your Wireless Propert ies....................................................................................................................... 39
Chapter 6 Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card..................................................................................................... 45
Uninstalling the Wireless LAN Card Software........................................................................................................... 45
Removing the Wireless LAN Card (For CardBus Adapter)....................................................................................... 47
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting .....................................................................................................................................49
Appendix A Limited Warranty................................................................................................................................. 55
Wireless LAN Hardware............................................................................................................................................ 55
Wireless LAN Software ............................................................................................................................................. 56
Appendix B Regulatory Compliance...................................................................................................................... 57
FCC Part 15 Declaration of Conformity (DoC).......................................................................................................... 57
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Contents
FCC Rules and Regulations - Part 15....................................................................................................................... 58
FCC Radiation Exposure Statement......................................................................................................................... 59
Appendix C Setting Up TCP/IP................................................................................................................................ 61
For Windows 98/ME.................................................................................................................................................. 61
For Windows 2000/XP .............................................................................................................................................. 64
Appendix D Specifications ........................................................................................................................................ 67
Glossary....................................................................................................................................................................... 71
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
List of Figures
Figure 1-1 Ad-Hoc Mode .......................................................................................................................................3
Figure 1-2 Infrastructure Mode..............................................................................................................................4
Figure 1-3 Roaming Across Multiple Access Points .............................................................................................5
Figure 3-1 Link Status Tab..................................................................................................................................21
Figure 3-2 Configuration Tab ..............................................................................................................................24
Figure 3-3 Encryption Tab ...................................................................................................................................26
Figure 3-5 Site Monitor Tab.................................................................................................................................29
Figure 3-6 About Tab...........................................................................................................................................30
Figure 5-1 Windows XP Configuration Utility-Connect to Wireless Network ......................................................36
Figure 5-2 Windows XP- Connection Status.......................................................................................................38
Figure 5-3 Windows XP Connection Properties -General...................................................................................39
Figure 5-4 Windows XP Connection Properties-Wireless Networks...................................................................40
Figure 5-5 Windows XP-Add Preferred Networks...............................................................................................41
Figure 5-6 Windows XP Configuration Utility-Set up a Network to Aceess ........................................................43
Figure 5-7 Windows XP Connection Properties – Authentication.......................................................................44
IV
Chapter 1 Introduction
This Wireless LAN Card is an IEEE 802.11g wireless LAN adapter. 802.11g is the latest in the
series of 802.11 specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs) and provides data
transfer of up to 54 Mbps. Since 802.11g draft operates on the same frequency of 2.4 GHz as
802.11b, so it is backwards compatible with existing Wi-Fi devices!
It allows your computer to connect to a wireless network and to share resources, such as files
or printers without being bound to the network wires. Operating in 2.4GHz Direct Sequence
Spread Spectrum (DSSS) radio transmission, the Wireless LAN Card transfers data at speeds
up to 54Mbps. Both Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure mode are supported. For network security
concern, 64/128-bits Wired Equivalent Protection (WEP) algorithm is used. In addition, its
standard compliance ensures that it can communicate with any 802.11b/g networks.
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
Wireless LAN Basics
This section contains some Wireless LAN basics to help you better understand how the
product work together to create a wireless network.
Local Area Network (LAN)
Simply put, a LAN is a network that exists in a relatively limited area. A network is two or
more computers connected together sharing files and peripheral devices such as printers.
The Wireless LAN Card allows you to interact with other computers without having to run
cables normally associated with networks. This lets you move your computer around while
staying connected t o your network.
There are two ways to use the Wireless LAN Card. One way is to connect directly to one or
more Wireless LAN Card equippe d computers, for ming an Ad-Hoc wireless network. The
second way is to connect to an Access Point that gives you access to an existing wired LAN,
forming an Infrastructure wireless network.
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Ad-Hoc Mode
The Ad-Hoc Group offers peer-to-peer connections between workstations, allowing
communication between computers within range that have a Wireless LAN Card installed. A
wireless Ad-Hoc network can also access a wired LAN’s TCP/IP service (such as e-mail and
the Internet) by using a TCP/IP software router on an Ethernet equipped PowerBook or
notebook.
Note: Using the 802.11g card in Ad-Hoc mode, your target peer can be 802.11b or 802.11g
compatible wireless station. But you cannot connect to an 802.11a wireless station since
802.11a devices are not compatible with 802.11b/g devices.
Figure 1-1 Ad-Hoc Mode
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
Infrastructure Mode
The Infrastructure network uses an AP or several APs as a gateway, linking the wireless
network to a wired LAN. As a result, portable workstations or desktops on your wireless
network have access to all of the features of your wired LAN including e-mail, Internet access,
network printers and file server.
Note: Using 802.11g card, you can connect to 802.11b or 802.11g compatible Access Point.
But you cannot connect to an 802.11a Access Point since 802.11a devices are not compatible
with 802.11b/g devices.
Figure 1-2 Infrastructure Mode
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Chapter 1 Introduction
Roaming
Multiple Access Points can be installed to extend the wireless service coverage area for
seamless wireless access. Within an extended service area, all Access Points and wireless
clients must have the same Service Set Identity (SSID). Roaming among different Access
Points is controlled automatically to maintain the wireless connectivity at all times.
Figure 1-3 Roaming Across Multiple Access Points
5
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card
This chapter describes the installation process of the driver and software for the Wireless LAN
Card. Proper driver installation is to allow the device to operate on your host computer while
the utility software, Wireless LAN Utility, is to help you configure and monitor your Wireless
LAN Card.
If you are using an embedded wireless solution, such as the Mini PCI wireless adapter, your
notebook is probably shipped with its driver and software properly installed. If this is the case,
just ignore this chapter and proceed with the configuration steps in next chapter.
In case you need to install the driver and software for any reason, follow the instructions
described in this chapter.
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
System Requirements
To use the Wireless LAN Card, your computer must meet the following minimum
requirements:
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Pentium-class PC, 300MHz or better recommended
64 MB of RAM, additional memory recommended
Hard disk space at least 30 Mbytes
Windows 98(SE)/Me/2000/XP
UL listed I.T.E. computers
For CardBus wireless adapter: 32-bit Cardbus expansion slot
For PCI wireless adapter: One available PCI slot
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Installing Wireless LAN Driver and Software
This section describes how to install the Wireless LAN Card driver and software.
Basic Installation Procedures
Windows 98, Me, 2000 and XP use the same setup program; however, operation
system-specific situation may occur during or after the installation process. The following
only describes the overall installation procedures. In OS-specific situations, you should follow
the on-screen instructions to proceed. You can refer to the general guidelines provided in next
section for further information.
Cautions:
For CardBus adapter: Do not insert the wireless adapter to your computer before installing
its driver. If this happens, the Windows PnP function will detect the wireless adapter and issue
a dialog box requesting for its driver. Click Cancel to quit the wizard and remove the Wireless
LAN Card from your computer.
For PCI/MiniPCI adapter: If your system has not been installed with the driver, the
Windows PnP function will detect the wireless adapter and issue a dialog box requesting for
its driver. Click Cancel to quit the wizard at this point.
Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card
Follow these steps to install the Wireless LAN Card driver and software.
1. Close all Windows programs that are running.
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
2. Insert the provided Software Utility CD into your CD-ROM drive and select
3. When the welcome screen pops up, click Next.
4. When the License Agreement screen appears, click Yes.
Utility&Driver. Or, run Setup.exe from D:\Utility&Driver of the Software Utility CD
where D is the drive letter.
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Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card
5. To install the software to the default destination folder, click Next. If you are to install
the software to a different folder, click Browse to select another folder, and then click
Next.
6. For CardBus wireless adapter only, the following screen will pop up asking you to insert
your wireless adapter into the PCMCIA slot of your computer. Please do as the dialog
request.
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
7. For MiniPCI wireless adapter only, if you are prompted with the screen below, click
8. Click Finish when the following screen appears. Subject to the type of your Wireless
Next.
LAN Card, the Windows may reboot.
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Chapter 2 Installing the Wireless LAN Card
General Guidelines for OS-Specific Situations
Subject to your Windows OS and Wireless LAN Card, different situations will occur during
or after the software installation. Follow these instructions to complete the installation.
For Windows 98(SE)
!
When prompted for Windows 98(SE) CD-ROM, click OK. Then enter the path to your
Windows 98(SE) original files, and click OK.
If Windows 98(SE) original files are not on your computer, you will need to remove the
Software Installation CD and then insert your Windows 98(SE) installation CD.
Otherwise just locate the Windows 98 CAB files on your computer.
!
When prompted to restart your computer click Yes.
For Windows Me
!
If prompted to restart your PC, click Yes.
For Windows 2000
!
If you are prompted with the Digital Signature not Found alarm message, click Yes.
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
For Windows XP
!
!
!
Now you are done with the installation procedure. After software installation, you should be
able to find the wireless monitor icon located on the system tray. Your Wireless LAN Card is
ready to use. Proceed to next chapter to configure or fine-tune your Wireless LAN Card
settings.
Note: If you need to set up the TCP/IP address or the subnet mask, refer to “Appendix C
Setting Up TCP/IP” for details.
If Windows logo compatibility message appears, click Continue Anyway.
When Windows OS pops up a dialog box requesting for driver, select Install the
software automatically and click Next.
If prompted for the driver. Click OK then click Browse to locate the directory you
selected to install the wireless program (e.g., C:\Program
Files\WLAN\Driver\PCMCIA) and click OK. Ensure to select the same path that you
have chosen to install the wireless program.
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Chapter 3 Using Wireless LAN Utility
Once your wireless adapter software is properly installed, the provided Wireless LAN Utility
is ready for use. The utility comes with five tabs. The Link Status tab displays the current
link status. The Configuration tab allo ws co nfiguring your wireless connec t ion. The
Encryption tab allows securing wireless transmission. The Site Monitor tab allows to
monitor available networks and the About tab displays utility information. See the ensuing
subsections for instructions to launch the utility and descriptions of each tab.
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54Mbps Wireless LAN Card User's Manual
Accessing Vendor’s Wireless LAN Utility
To access Wireless LAN Utility, go to Windows Start menu, select Programs, WLAN
Utility, and then, WLAN Utility.
The Wireless LAN Utility screen pops up with five available tabs: Link Status,
Configuration, Encryption, Site Monitor and About. See appropriate section, which
describes each tab item.
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Chapter 3 Using Wireless LAN Utility
Notice When Assessing Wireless LAN Utility under Windows XP
Aside from using the vendor’s wireless LAN utility for configuration, Windows XP includes a
Wireless Zero Configuration Utility for you to configure your wirel ess adapter. By default,
your wireless adapter is managed by Windows XP-included wireless utility. Under this
circumstance, you may find that the Configuration/Encryption tab is not visible in the
vendor’s wireless LAN utility.
Configuration/Encryption tab is
not visible when Windows XP
overrides the management of your
wireless adapter.
You can choose to configure your Wireless LAN Card via either the vendor’s wireless LAN
utility or Windows XP-included wireless utility.
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